Being involved in any sort of auto accident can cause substantial physical and emotional trauma. Although there are many common factors between truck and car accidents, there are also many differences between the two types of crashes. 

Your Austin truck accident lawyer at Ramos James Law, PLLC, recommends motorists learn the difference between the two types of accidents to better understand their own circumstances should they be involved in one.

Truck Accident Statistic in Texas 

Truck drivers are essential to our economy, transporting goods and materials across our state and nation. However, being involved in a collision with a truck can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle and health. 

These statistics from 2010 prove the seriousness of truck accidents:

• There were over 115,000 truck accidents in the United States 
• About 12,600 of those accidents took place on Texas roadways 
• There were almost 400 fatalities 
• These accidents led to 6,500 severe injuries 

Unfortunately, truck accidents continue to happen in Texas at a frightening rate and with calamitous consequences. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, contact your Austin attorney to see if you can start a claim against the driver or company. 

Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents

Below we have listed the three principal differences between truck and passenger car accidents:

1. Truck Drivers And Their Companies Must Follow Safety Regulations

Truck drivers have specific laws targeted to them on top of obeying the standard road rules. Some safety regulations truck drivers have to follow, while other drivers do not, include the following:

• Amount of hours driven
• Weight of the vehicle 
• Truck inspections by the driver and company 
• Maintenance requirements
• CDL licensing requirements
• Drug testing
• Background checks

A truck driver or company that fails to follow these regulations may be subject to negligence. 

2. The Gravity of the Personal Injury

It doesn’t take a physicist to foresee the devastating results a truck collision can have on a passenger car. A truck’s weight can easily be double the weight of a passenger vehicle. Because of the size difference, drivers and passengers of a car involved in a truck accident can face severe injuries:

• Broken bones
• Injuries to their back and neck
• Burns
• Death 

3. Dealing With Trucking Companies and Their Insurance is Complicated

Most truck companies are prepared for any and all types of situations that can occur with their employees. The companies are aware of the severity of accidents their drivers can potentially cause, so their insurance companies are prepared to investigate and fight at any given moment. 

This is why you must act fast, if you can, and follow the steps on what to do after a truck accident to begin building your claim with your Austin truck accident lawyer. 

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, contact your Austin truck accident lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, to start your personal injury claim and receive the justice you deserve.

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Being involved in a truck accident can cause significant trauma and can be challenging to overcome.

When you have fallen victim to a truck accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to help strengthen your chances of receiving the compensation you need to recover physically and mentally. 

Your Austin truck accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, implore you to follow these steps if you find yourself in the stressful situation of being in a truck accident. 

Guide on How To Deal With the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

Getting into an accident can be a stressful experience. It is understandable if you’re not sure what to do after the accident, so hopefully, this guide can be of use if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation:

1. Call Emergency Services

After a truck accident, you should immediately call 911. Ambulances will arrive to attend anyone who has been hurt. Police will make a police report that includes a statement you give about your recollection of the accident.

It is in your best interest to attain a copy of the police report because it contains important information that can be used by your Austin truck accident attorney to investigate the accident.

2. Gather as Much Evidence You Can

The evidence you collect after a truck accident is crucial to determine what occurred. If you are indisposed after the accident, have someone help you gather the evidence. 

Some of the evidence you should secure includes:

• Photograph any damage to the vehicles involved
• Photograph any skid marks caused by the accident
• Get the license plate number of the truck involved
• Document your recollections of everything you remember before the accident
• Document your injuries and make sure to safely keep any medical documentation
• Obtain electronic logs of the commercial truck involved
• Your attorney can draft a spoliation letter

3. Swap Information With the Other Driver

By law, drivers must exchange contact and insurance information after an accident. Also, ask what company the truck driver works for and the truck number. Obtain proof the truck driver works for said company. 

4. Get Witnesses Information

Witness testimonies are essential in building your truck accident claim. 

5. Seek Medical Attention

Sometimes you don’t feel the physical consequences of an injury right away. Keep in mind, trucks are of significant size and usually cause serious injuries. 

If you seek medical attention after the accident, make sure to obtain any documentation so you can get the compensation you need to recover. 

Austin Truck Accident Lawyers Here for You

If you or a loved one are victims of a truck accident, contact your experienced Austin truck accident lawyers at Ramos James Law, PLLC, to help get the compensation you deserve.

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